This report presents the findings of a study that investigated the scope and nature of early childhood service delivery systems in three states (Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Colorado). The study followed 75 children with disabilities for 18 months and surveyed 170 service providers of infants and toddlers and 186 service providers of…

A study examined the impact of specialized, residential camp programs on children and youth with disabilities. Case studies were used to describe the real-life context of program effects and to explore various effects in situations where there may be no clear, single set of outcomes for all participants. Fifteen specialized residential summer camp…

This final report discusses the components and outcomes of the RIDE (Reaching Individuals with Disabilities Early) Project, a program that supports the inclusion of young children with disabilities in their school environments, homes, and communities. The core component of the RIDE Model, Students' Success and Inclusion in the Regular Education…

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that investigated whether the Accelerated Reader program meets its claim to motivate and improve reading achievement for all students, including those with special needs. The Accelerated Reader program is a computer-based reading management system that includes a database of thousands of books ranging…

The paper reviews research on early education of preschool handicapped and nonhandicapped children, conducted from 1971 to the present, to determine the effects of integration on developmental outcomes, peer interaction, and social attitudes toward the handicapped. Among conclusions drawn are that developmental outcomes have not proved superiority…

The efficacy of training learning disabled (LD) adolescents in social and problem-solving skills was evaluated. While all three groups of adolescents showed increased skill levels following training, LD adolescents demonstrated only a slight gain when compared to non-LD and court adjudicated youths on the cognitive problem-solving skill.…

Eight learning disabled children participated in an integrated program of motor and cognitive tasks over a six-month period. Compared to eight control subjects, the treated group showed greater improvement on tests of motor and cognitive skills. A physical activity program can influence basic cognitive as well as motor skills. (Author/RD)

This article reviews transition planning requirements specified in the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs in Great Britain and the effectiveness of the requirements. The Code's emphasis on social and independent living skills is discussed, as is the need for schools to balance process and procedure.…

A survey of 164 Pennsylvania general and special education teachers and 1,430 elementary educators nationwide examined their attitudes concerning supports needed for the successful inclusion of students with disabilities. Teachers perceived a need for training, help from personnel outside the classroom, and in-class help such as paraprofessionals.…

This article summarizes findings from the Macomb Project's 15 years of research and provision of model demonstration computer application services to young children with disabilities, their families, and service delivery staff. Staff training, administrative support, technology assessments, family involvement, and transition services are all…

Questioned Ontario college students and administrators regarding their opinions on standards of practice for postsecondary special needs programs. Respondents indicated strong support for most suggested practices. Fewer administrators, however, supported practices that required enhanced funding, staffing, and resources, and fewer students…

This article reviews promises, practices, and provisos of alternative assessment as a basis for illustrating what is known about measuring progress of students with disabilities in statewide assessment programs. Nineteen data-based studies have been used to begin to document the effects of alternative assessment. However, it is concluded there are…

A graduate program component that assigned mentors to preservice special education teachers of students with severe disabilities is described. Characteristics of effective mentoring programs, the mentoring needs of preservice teachers of students with severe disabilities, and the mentorship program components are discussed. An evaluation of the…

Reflects on research that showed that, as reading ability of students without disabilities increased in schools engaged in "effective schools" reforms, the reading ability of students with disabilities decreased. Concerns are raised that resources previously devoted to special education programs may serve to infuse general school…

Interviews with 15 ninth and tenth grade students with learning disabilities (LD), their parents, and their resource teachers determined that the Self-Advocacy Plan is an effective program clarifying students' perceptions of their roles as learners with LD, increasing their understanding of LD as a condition, and developing awareness of…